Myrtle Beach Real Estate Information Archive

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Eighty percent of homes in the United States built before 1980 are said to have asbestos fibers present. Asbestos is a group of six naturally-occurring mineral fibers and was initially thought to be a great building material due to its chemical-resistant and fire-resistant properties. However, the mineral has been known to cause a number of illnesses, including different types of cancer and asbestosis. When purchasing a home, being mindful of asbestos can mitigate health implications and prevent the high cost of abatement.

Where is Asbestos in the Home?

Prior to being linked to several diseases, including mesothelioma, the toxic mineral was a popular choice used in millions of American homes during the mid-20th century. The government began instituting restrictions in the 1970s, but prior to that asbestos was used for insulation, soundproofing, and fireproofing. It can still be found in those capacities today. The toxin was also often mixed with cement, making it harder to identify.

Basement

Asbestos could be lurking in the basements of older homes in the following places:

● Water heaters

● Coal stoves

● Wood burning stoves

● Furnaces

● Cement bases

● Pipe insulation

● HVAC duct and ventilation insulation

Main Home

It can be difficult to spot asbestos with the naked eye, but the mineral was used throughout the home in products and materials like these:

It’s important to note that while asbestos may not be present in every one of these products, it’s still best to be mindful of the possibility when you’re considering purchasing a home or planning a renovation project.

Dealing with Asbestos

Knowing when your house was built should give you an idea of whether or not your home is affected by asbestos. If your house was built before the 1980s but was significantly remodeled since then, your chances of dealing with asbestos decrease. However, if you suspect the toxic mineral is in your home, these three simple rules will prevent you from being exposed.

Do Not Disturb It - Although asbestos-containing materials, known as ACMs, are considered safe when left alone and fully intact, they may release fibers when they become damaged. Don't ever attempt to remove ACMs on your own because you can accidentally expose yourself or others to the toxic fibers.

Test It - If you decide to go ahead with a home renovation project involving potential damage to older materials or the foundation, it’s important to contacta licensed asbestos inspector to test the area first.

Have It Removed - If the area tests positive for asbestos, find and hire aqualified asbestos abatement contractor to have it removed safely and properly disposed.

Misconceptions Regarding Asbestos

Now that you know where you can find asbestos and how to properly take care of removing the toxin, here are a few other common misconceptions about the mineral and the effects it can have on your health.

Asbestos only impacts the lungs - MYTH

If asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, the particles can cling to the linings of the lungs, heart or abdomen, causing different forms of mesothelioma cancer. Mesothelioma is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 Americans each year.

Mesothelioma is the only known disease caused by asbestos - MYTH

While asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma, other diseases can develop over time due to exposure, including asbestos-related lung cancer and asbestosis. Symptoms can sometimes take 20 to 50 years to appear after someone has been exposed to the carcinogenic mineral. A typical mesothelioma prognosis is usually poor and patients are commonly aged 55 or older when diagnosed.

Asbestos has been banned in the United States - MYTH

Although asbestos use has been banned in countries like the UK and Australia, up to one percent of asbestos is still legally allowed for use in building materials in the United States. An important truth to understand is that there is no safe amount of asbestos to be in contact with.

Have you or someone you know ever had to deal with termites at your/their home or condo? If you have, then you understand not only how costly it can be, but also how it can turn your life completely upside down for a good amount of time. Termites attack thousands of homes and buildings each year in the United States, and homeowners fork out millions of dollars annually to repair the damage they cause and treat the termite problem itself. And if you think that just because your condo is on the ninth floor of a concrete building that you are exempt from this potential issue, you are sadly mistaken. And as you may have guessed, that is exactly what we are going to be discussing in today’s blog post!

What are termites and how can you identify them?

Before we get into the meat and potatoes of today’s post, we wanted to give a brief overview of what termites are and how you can possibly detect them. Termites are often referred to as the “silent destroyer” as they do not come out into the open which makes them very difficult to detect at times. In some cases, termites can be secretly thriving and hiding in your home, condo or yard and do not show any immediate signs of the damage that is being done. If you are looking for information on how you can detect these pesky creatures, termites usually have straight, beaded antennae, their wings are equal size, they have uniformed waists and measure approximately 1 cm to a few millimeters in length.

Primarily, termites feed on cellulose (which is a part of wood), but they are also known to damage books, insulation, paper and even filtration system and swimming pool liners. Additionally, while there are different types of termites, they all feed on detritus which include dead trees and plants, as well as dead parts of living trees including wood. And unfortunately, regardless of their construction type, all homes have the ability to provide cellulose food which in turn harbors termite infestation. So while you may think this issue may never present itself in your living space, all house foundations, shelves, furniture and even books can draw in termites and provide a cozy place for them to stay and live. Now, this information is not meant to scare you, but rather provide you with the knowledge and tools to be aware and alert to catch it fast if you see any signs of termites in your home or condo.

What types of termite’s attack condos?

We may be giving you more information than you originally thought you were looking for, but we figured we would educate you on everything related to termite and condos so you can better understand how everything is related. Subterranean and drywood termites are the two specific types of termites that frequently attack condos. Subterranean termites are known to attack buildings from underground by entering through cracks in concrete slabs or from flowerbeds through tunneling under siding that is close to the soil. On the other hand, while drywood termites do not live in the soil, they tend to attack condo buildings in the spring and summer during their mating flights. They also tend to land on the wooden trim around windows and doors and make their nests in small cracks in wood to start new colonies.

Can termite’s travel from one unit to another in a condo building?

Now don’t freak out, but the answer is yes. It is no secret the damage termites can do to a single-family home, but when it comes to condos, termites can be downright destructive and can easily travel from one condo unit to the next. Of the two, subterranean termites are the worst because they often enter the building through expansion joints between two slabs, allowing them to easily and swift fully inhabit two or more units at the same time. On the same note, if these subterranean termites were to invade one unit, they can enter the neighboring unit by traveling through the common wall. Due to the fact that these types of termites are able to stay hidden, they tend to cause damage to multiple condo units before they are even discovered or detected by the residents.

At the same time, drywood termites are also able to move freely between condo units. You will see this especially if they have inhabited exterior wooden trim, a wooden fence, or a carport, as drywood termites then gain access to the several units that these areas are attached to. Now you may be asking yourself what happens if a unit in a condo building is affected by termites. And, as you can probably tell by now when termites invade condo buildings the exterminating process can prove to be extremely challenging. This is especially true if there are several units in the same building that have termites.

Why do I have to pay for a termite inspection, even if my condo is located on the 9th floor of a concert building?

Hopefully, by now we have equipped you enough information for you to understand why you need a termite inspection, even if your condo is located in the upper levels of your condo building. It is always better to be safe than sorry, and just because your building is made from concrete does not dismiss it from the potential of a termite infestation. And as we spoke about earlier, even if the unit does not outwardly show any termite damage, you never know what is going on within the walls and unseen areas of the condo unit. The termites may have spread to your unit from a neighboring unit and you want to bring in a professional so they can assess the situation. Additionally, some pest inspectors will also look for leaks, beetles, mold and water damage within the unit when they come out for the termite inspection. This is a huge bonus as it will give you a better overall picture of the status of the unit, and allow you to fix any potential issue before it gets worse down the line.

What should I do if I am looking to buy/sell a condo in Myrtle Beach, SC?

If you or someone you know is looking to buy or sell a condo in sunny Myrtle Beach, SC, be sure to give our experienced team here at Jerry Pinkas Real Estate Experts a call today! We have seamlessly helped numerous individuals, couples, families, and retirees through the buying and selling process and we know we can do the same for you. Our real estate team is different from most in our area because we have a separate set of realtors that are solely dedicated to helping and serving our buyer clients and a separate set of realtors that are solely dedicated to helping and serving our seller clients. So you can trust that your Jerry Pinkas real estate agent will not be educated and well versed in the buying or selling process, but also that they will work hard in your best interests. We know you have your choice of realtors in the Myrtle Beach, SC area, but why have average when you can have the best? Allow our dedicated team of agents to serve you today. We look forward to hearing from you and working with you soon!

Have you been thinking of selling your home in Myrtle Beach, SC and find yourself wondering all the potential costs that are associated as a seller? Do you find yourself scratching your head whenever someone starts talking about the selling process and all it entails? If so, today’s blog post is for you! While some may find themselves overwhelmed by the thought, the selling process does not have to be a daunting experience. Once you understand how it all works and who is responsible for what, you may just find yourself getting excited to sell your current property and daydreaming of all the potential that your next chapter can bring. So without further ado, let’s jump into today’s topic and discover what costs the seller is responsible for!

What are closing costs?

When buying or selling a home, it is crucial to understand not only the process but all the fees and costs associated with the purchase or sale of the property. The last thing you want is to be surprised with having to pull your checkbook out when everything is said and done. With that being said, closing costs encompass all the charges and fees that are related to the sale of a home beyond the agreed upon price of the property itself. Now it is also important to realize that these costs vary based on things such as property type, region, and lender, but you can usually bet on seeing inspection fees, transfer fees, appraisal fees, title search fees, loan origination fees and commissions that are paid to the real estate agents.

What closing costs are buyers responsible for?

While this blog post is mainly focused on closing costs associated with sellers, we also wanted to make sure to touch on some of the closing costs that buyers are responsible for as well. And while buying a home can be an exciting time, it is crucial to understand that purchasing a home requires more out-of-pocket money than just what covers the down payment. You also need to take into account the money needed to pay for services rendered, which are also known as closing costs. It is important to understand that if, as the buyer, you do not have enough money on top of the purchase price to cover the buyer’s closing costs, there is a possibility that the transaction may not close at all.

Typically, if you are a home buyer, you will pay between (roughly) two and five percent of the purchase price of your new home in closing costs. So, for example, if you were to purchase your new home for $150,000, you may expect to pay between $3,000 and $7,500 in closing costs. Other potential costs include recording fees, title policies, courier charges and inspections. It is important to note as well that the buyer is required to cover their portion of the closing costs when the property is closed on.

What closing costs are sellers responsible for?

When it comes to selling your home, you may be under the impression that every dollar from the sale is going to go directly into your pocket. And while you have the potential to make a lot of money from the sale, you also must stop to realize the costs that come with the closing on your property. So before you run off and plan how you are going to spend all your incoming cash, make sure to know exactly what that final number is. One of the larger costs for the sellers in the closing process is the commission that is paid to the real estate agents that are involved in the transactions. And while these commissions are negotiable and can vary to a degree by market, the average/typical commission is six percent of the sale price of the property. That percentage is split between both the buyer’s agent and the listing agent. So, as an example, if a property sells for $350,000 there would be a $21,000 commission that both the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent would split.

Another cost for the seller during the closing is the loan payoff, which you will often see is slightly higher than the remaining balance on the loan due to prorated interest. It is important to note that, in some cases, you may be forced to pay a prepayment penalty as you are paying off the loan prior to the end of the term. You may also have to pay recording fees or transfer fee/taxes, which are taxes imposed by the local government or state to transfer the title from one owner to another. Next, most sellers typically pay the owner’s title insurance premium, a wire transfer fee, document preparation fee and attorney fees if you were to have your own attorney represent you during the settlement process.

Other additional closing costs the sellers can be responsible for include unpaid homeowner association dues (and dues included up to the settlement date), any liens or judgments that are against the property and prorated property taxes. Also, depending on how the contract is written, the seller may also have to pay for termite inspection and remediation if there is an issue, as well as repair bills or a credit for potential repairs for things that may come up during a home inspection. It is important to note here that the seller’s portion of the closing costs is deducted from the amount they receive from the sale of their property.

What should I do if I am interested in selling my house in Myrtle Beach, SC?

If you or someone you know is looking to sell their home in sunny Myrtle Beach, SC, give our experienced team here at Jerry Pinkas Real Estate Experts a call today! If this is your first time selling your home, we understand how overwhelming the process may seem. And if you have sold homes in the past, you understand how important it is to have an experienced and knowledgeable real estate agent in your corner throughout the entire process from start to finish. Our team of agents will work hard for you to ensure the sale of your home is as stress-free as possible, as quick as possible and you get top dollar for your property.

If you follow our blog posts then you have seen us talk about the many reasons that set us apart from other real estate teams in the area. One of them being that we have a separate set of real estate agents that are solely dedicated to our seller clients, and a separate set of real estate agents that are solely dedicated to our buyer clients. Why does this matter? For one, you can be confident that your Jerry Pinkas real estate agent is knowledgeable and well versed in the buying or selling process because they do it every day, day in and day out, for our other clients. They will be able to walk you through the entire process, answer any questions that arise and work hard in your best interest every step of the way. Why have average when you can have the best? Give us a call today, we look forward to hearing from you and working with you soon!

Have you been thinking of putting your Myrtle Beach, SC home on the market and find yourself wondering how long it will take for the perfect buyer to come along and purchase it? Myrtle Beach, SC is a hot destination and many people are making the move to enjoy the incredible lifestyle our wonderful city affords. But even with the influx of people, there are still many factors that attribute to how long it will take your home to sell. And as you may have guessed, that is exactly what we are going to be talking about in today’s blog post. If you or someone you know is thinking of putting their home on the market and are wondering how long it will take your home to sell, today’s blog is a can’t-miss and a must-read!

How long does it take to sell a home in Myrtle Beach, SC?

We wish there was a more cut and dry answer to this, but the time it takes to sell a condo or home in the Myrtle Beach, SC area varies from property to property. As we will discuss in more detail below, there are multiple factors that can affect the selling time of your home or condo, and it is nearly impossible to accurately predict it prior to listing the property for sale. You may think that you have the best house in the neighborhood with the most updated finishes and overall the hottest listing, but if the right qualified buyer does not come along right away you could be waiting a few weeks or months to sell. While it helps to have a property that hits everything buyers are looking for, it is difficult to predict exactly how long it will take to actually close the sale.

What factors contribute to how long it can take for my home to sell in Myrtle Beach, SC?

As we touched on above, there are many things that go in to and can affect the selling time of your condo or home in Myrtle Beach, SC. There are two main variables that can affect the selling time of the property the most, and the first one we are going to be talking about is how the property is priced. We all know that if a home or condo is listed below what it should be, buyers think they are getting a smoking deal and the listing is more likely to sell quickly. On the other hand, if a home or condo is listed above what it should be, buyers are usually less inclined to purchase the property because they think they can get more for their money with another property. Overpricing your property is a sure way to have your listing sit on the market longer than you may want and increase the time it takes for the home to sell.

A good way to avoid incorrectly pricing your property is to have a knowledgeable and experienced real estate agent by your side who can guide you in finding and settling on a competitive price for your area. Your agent should know the comps in the surrounding areas, give you advice on any renovations to do to help your home appeal to more buyers and (kindly) pull you back to reality if you feel your home is worth more than it really is. Competitively pricing your home is one of the main factors that can affect if it sells quickly to the right buyer, or sits on the market waiting for the right person to eventually come along.

The second variable that can affect the selling time of your home is how the property is marketed. Now some people may think that just listing your property online is enough to get the right buyer through the door. But, unfortunately, that is just not the case. Any agent can list a property online, but it takes the right educated and knowledgeable agent to know exactly how to market the property and get as many eyeballs on the home as possible. Because, as we all know, the more eyeballs on the property mean a greater chance of the property selling fast, and to the right qualified buyer. Especially in today’s day and age with social media and social networking, there are so many different ways and varying outlets to get your property out there. And the harsh reality is that if you do not take advantage of these marketing platforms, someone else will and their property can potentially take away good, qualified buyers leaving your home to sit on the market longer than you may like.

What can I do to help my Myrtle Beach, SC home sell faster?

There are a few key things you can do to help your Myrtle Beach, SC home sell more quickly. The first, and most important, is to have a good real estate agent by your side. We have talked about this in many previous posts, but that goes to show just how important it is and how much it can impact your success. Your real estate agent should be knowledgeable about your area, have a proven track record of success and willing to work hard to help you sell your home. Also, as we spoke about above, your real estate agent should be able to recommend any renovations that should be completed prior to listing your home. This will help to ensure buyers see a livable space and not a large, overwhelming renovation project.

Another way to help your property sell quicker is to make it appeal to potential buyers by staging your home. One of the first things you want to do is DE clutter the space. This is a great excuse to go through your belongings and give away/throw out items that you no longer need, and is also a great way to ensure you are not moving and hauling things to your next home that you do not need. You also want to remove any personal items such as photographs throughout the home. Why is this necessary? It helps the potential buyer to see a blank canvas that they can turn into their own home, instead of feeling like they are walking through yours. Be sure to organize furniture in a way that opens the space, not closes it, and keep the spaces organized and tidy at all times as you never know when a showing may pop up.

What should I do if I am interested in selling my home in Myrtle Beach, SC?

If you or someone you know is looking to sell their home in sunny Myrtle Beach, SC, give our experienced team here at Jerry Pinkas Real Estate Experts a call today! We have helped numerous individuals, couples, families and retirees successfully sell their home, and we know we can do the same for you! Our team is unique in that we have a separate set of realtors that are solely dedicated to our seller clients, and a separate set of realtors who are solely dedicated to our buyer clients. So you can be confident that your Jerry Pinkas Realty agent will not only be knowledgeable on the best practices to sell your home quickly but also for top dollar and with the least amount of stress.

We know you have your choice of realtors in the Myrtle Beach, SC area, and we will work hard to get your home or condo sold in the shortest amount of time. This is what we do every day and we are good at it. Why have average when you can have the best? Give us a call today, we look forward to hearing from you and working with you soon!

You have questions, we have answers. Give us a call at 843-839-9870.

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It’s a classic scenario: family gets excited to sell their house, the family finds and hires the first realtor they see online, realtor says he/she will sell their house quickly and for top dollar, the house sits on the market for months, contract with realtor expires, house fails to sell. Has this scenario played out for you or someone you know? Do you ever find yourself wondering why some houses sell quickly and for top dollar, while other comparable houses sit on the market for weeks and weeks and do not sell? Well, as you may have guessed by now, that is exactly what we are going to be talking about in today’s blog post. We are going to be discussing why properties expire or fail to sell, and what you can do if you or someone you know finds themselves in this scenario in sunny Myrtle Beach, SC.

What does it mean if a property listing expires?

Before we jump into the meat and potatoes of today’s post, we first wanted to cover some basics. What does it mean if a property listing expires? It means that the property has not been sold by the end of the time period stipulated in the listing contract that was set and agreed upon between the listing real estate agent and the seller. In our blog posts, we talk quite frequently about how important it is to have a good real estate agent by your side from beginning to end. And this is another reason why it is so crucial for you to do your homework on who you are locking arms with and trusting to sell your home. The time period set in the listing contract can go by very quickly if you are not working with the right person who is educated and driven, and working day in and day out to find the right buyer for your home.

What are the main reasons why properties expire or fail to sell?

There are a few main reasons why properties expire or fail to sell, and the first one we are going to touch on is the price. Overpriced homes are the number one reason why homes fail to sell, and unfortunately is one of the biggest deterrents to buyers and having a successful transaction. The price may have been set by an overzealous real estate agent, or simply because the owner believes their home to be worth more than it actually is. But it is important to understand that even the most talented agent and sophisticated marketing tactics will have a very difficult time bringing an eager buyer to the table with a home that is priced beyond what it should be. The listing will be doomed to begin with and all the advertising and marketing used to promote the property will prove to be fruitless, along with a lot of wasted energy and time. So settling the right price on the property from the beginning is crucial.

The next reason why properties expire or fail to sell can arise from picking the wrong realtor to help sell your house/condo. Again, we have covered this topic numerous times throughout different blog posts because it is vital to understand when looking to sell your home. And we realize how tricky it can seem to find and hire on the right realtor that is going to work hard in your best interest from beginning to end. But choosing the right agent can mean selling your house quickly and for top dollar, and choosing the wrong agent can mean a lot of wasted time and energy, as well as your property still not sold once the contract with the agent is up. Which scenario would you rather have?

At this point, you may be asking yourself how do you know if you are picking the right real estate. And one way you can be confident in your decision is asking the realtor for a list of reviews from past clients they have worked with. This will help you be able to get a feel for how the agent works and what other people, who are just like you, have experienced with this realtor. You also want to look for a few key characteristics in the agent such as honesty and dedication, as well as the success rate of the agent on selling homes, how large their network is and how well they know the area. Do not get fooled by agents that tell you things because they know you want to hear them – make sure you are doing your homework to ensure that the agent is someone that you will be successful with.

Lastly, poor real estate marketing can attribute to a property expiring or failing to sell. This goes back to what we just talked about with finding the right real estate agent. If your property does not get the proper marketing and attention it deserves, it is not going to get in front of the right people to buy it. It is easy to just upload the listing online, but the right realtor will really know how to push and market the property so it is appealing and alluring to other buyer agents and potential buyers. Things that should be standard in this regard include incredible photography of the property, stunning video tours, and detailed descriptions that highlight the home’s best features.

What should I do if my listing has expired or failed to sell?

When you want to list your property, ideally, you would start by calling our experienced team here at Jerry Pinkas Real Estate Experts to avoid your property expiring or failing to sell with other agents. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you have tried to sell your home with one, two or even three real estate agents who could not seem to get the job done, you have come to the right place! Our team has had amazing success with people just like you, and we have sold their home or condo not only in a shorter time frame than it was on the market when it expired but also for top dollar.

How do we do it you ask? Well, here at Jerry Pinkas Realty, we utilize tools such as the Cash Offer Program and The Guaranteed Results Program, which allow us to get more buyers through your home and ultimately create more demand for your property. And as we all know, the more people that walk through and the more eyes that are on your home, the quicker it sells and more money is able to be put in your pocket! Additionally, we are the only real estate team in the Myrtle Beach, SC area that offers The Platinum Marketing Program.

It is important to understand that there are three types of buyers that will potentially purchase your home or condo. They consist of in-town residents, out of town buyers, and buyers that are already working with other real estate agents. In order to get the best offer on your home, you need to make sure you are marketing on every level, especially to all of these buyers. Here at Jerry Pinkas Real Estate Experts, we guarantee to market your property for more, and in more places, as our media sources have proven to advertise properties efficiently and aggressively to a large number of qualified buyers. Our goal is to get your home sold for the most amount of money, in the shortest amount of time and with the least amount of hassle. So if you are looking to sell your home in Myrtle Beach, SC, give our team a call today. We look forward to hearing from you and working with you soon!

The secret is out about Myrtle Beach, SC. People have their eyes on the area for many reasons, and there is no denying that many couples, families and even retirees are relocating here to live the enviable lifestyle that this beautiful area affords. If you are a homeowner and wondering if houses are selling in this area, today’s blog post is for you! It can be tricky trying to understand the trends and what the market is doing, but we hope that this post will give you a little insight to how and why properties are selling in sunny Myrtle Beach, SC.

There are many factors that contribute to whether or not a house sells fast or sits on the market for a while. The first factor we are going to talk about is the property itself. If the house or condo is located in a great part of town, priced right, newly renovated and has all the bells and whistles buyers are looking for, then naturally the property will appeal to many buyers and will most likely sell quickly. On the other hand, if the house or condo is located in a less desirable part of town, is priced too high, has outdated appliances, doors missing and the roof is about to collapse, naturally, it may take a little longer for the right buyer to come along to take on the project. With properties like this, many buyers see a huge renovation, a large price tag and a lot of time spent having to update the property. Which is not to say that the property will not sell if it is in that condition, but again, the right buyer will have to come along to see the potential of the property.

The second factor that can contribute to a property selling fast or not is the real estate agent. Some people think that all real estate agents do is list the property online, do one showing and the property magically sells for top dollar. In reality, there is so much that an agent does behind the scenes to prep, market and sell the property that many people do not realize. So if you are working with a real estate agent that does not know how to properly market the house/condo, does not have a strong network and is not skilled at negotiating on their client’s behalf, then you may have a more difficult time not only selling your property but getting the price you want. You also have to make sure that your real estate agent is working in your best interest and keeps your listing as a priority amongst their other listings.

And as we spoke about above, your real estate agent will be able to give you advice and guide you on what improvements and renovations should be done to the house for it to sell at top dollar. As a homeowner, you may think that your property is perfect and that any person walking in off the street and want to purchase it. But the right agent will come in with the skills and knowledge of the market and what buyers are looking for to help you determine what improvements are worth spending the money on and what can be skipped. So having a strong, honest and skilled agent by your side can make all the difference in your selling experience.

What time of the year is the best to sell in Myrtle Beach?

Simply put, the best time to sell in Myrtle Beach, SC is during the summer. Why the summer you ask? The summer months are the most popular time for people to visit the area. With summer break, the warm temperatures and glistening beaches, it is no wonder that Myrtle Beach is a popular destination for many people from across the country. And with so many people visiting, they will be able to look at properties to purchase either as a second home or to relocate to altogether. Now don’t get us wrong, the spring, fall, and winter are good times to sell too, but if you are looking to get top dollar, the summer months may just be your best bet.

Why is Myrtle Beach, SC such a popular destination?

How much time do you have for us to answer this question? Myrtle Beach, SC is known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. With over sixty miles of stunning uninterrupted coastline, residents are spoiled year round with incredible beaches and a lifestyle many only dream of. And not to mention it is the perfect spot for those who enjoy surfing, boating, fishing and watersports such as jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, scuba diving and much more! Combine all that with incredible entertainment, temperate weather, low taxes, low cost of living, affordable housing market and an incredible sense of community, and you have yourself a recipe for an ideal place to call home. Myrtle Beach, SC is also a great place to retire and the area has seen a growth in the retiree population over the past decade.

Now we are sure that everyone is familiar with how demand works. Especially in relation to real estate, the more people you have looking and wanting to purchase homes, the faster the inventory goes and the stronger the housing market is. And with so many people wanting to live in Myrtle Beach, SC, or even simply buy a second home as a vacation spot, there are many people looking to purchase houses and condos and many are selling quite quickly. So if you ever find yourself wondering if properties are selling in Myrtle Beach, just think of all the reasons someone would want to live here and why so many people are flocking here from around the country.

What should I do if I am interested in selling my property in Myrtle Beach, SC?

By now we hope we have provided you with enough information to understand just how desirable the Myrtle Beach area is, and how the demand affects how the market moves. If you are currently living in Myrtle Beach, SC and are looking to sell your home, give our experienced team here at Jerry Pinkas Real Estate Experts a call today! As we have talked about in previous posts, we have a separate team of agents that are solely dedicated to our buyer clients and a separate team of agents that are solely dedicated to our seller clients. We believe this is the most effective way for us to work with and serve our client base, and it allows you, as the seller, to be confident that your agent is working in your best interest throughout the entire process and transaction.

We know you have your choice of realtors in the Myrtle Beach area, and we understand how tricky it can be to choose one to represent you in the selling process. Our agents here at Jerry Pinkas Real Estate Experts are hard working, honest, have an impressive network and are incredibly knowledgeable of the area. We have helped numerous individuals, couples, families and retirees in the area sell their home and we know we can do the same for you. Why have average when you can have the best? Give us a call today, we look forward to working with you soon!

You have questions, we have answers. Give us a call at 843-839-9870.

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It's no secret that the Myrtle Beach, SC real estate market is booming! People are flocking and relocating here from across the country to live a lifestyle that many only dream of. And can you blame them? Not only does Myrtle Beach, SC offer some of the most stunning beaches you can find, but the temperate weather, affordable living, and endless entertainment make the area hard to resist. And while many people would love to live here year round, there are many people that make their way to Myrtle Beach, SC throughout the year to enjoy all that this beautiful area has to offer. It really is a tourist’s paradise and a hard destination to resist when planning a vacation!

Whether you are looking to sell your current home, buy your forever home, or looking for a second vacation home in Myrtle Beach, SC, one of the most important things you can do is to find a real estate agent that is knowledgeable, hardworking and has a proven track record of success. Who you trust to help you purchase a home or condo can make all the difference in your experience and ultimately your success in the process. Myrtle Beach real estate agents are everywhere, but how do you know that you have the right real estate professional that is going to answer all of your questions, negotiate the best deal, help you purchase or sell your home and be working in your best interest every step of the way? Well, as you may have guessed, that is exactly what we are going to be talking about in today’s blog post. If you or someone you know is looking to buy or sell in Myrtle Beach, SC, today’s topic is one you do not want to miss!

Why should I be picky about which real estate agent I choose to work with?

This is a great question and one that once you understand the answer, it can make all the difference in how you purchase and/or sell your homes now and in the future. Your real estate agent is someone that represents you and your best interests during the buying/selling process. And since many people do not fully understand all the ins and outs of the real estate world, they look to their agent to help answer questions that arise, guide them in decision making, trusting that they are negotiating in their best interest and properly completing all documents. And while it may sound like the agent has a big job in the overall process, it is because they do. And that is exactly why you want to make sure that you have the right person in your corner.

Some people think that it does not make a difference who your real estate agent is and may hire on the first person they meet. But just take a second and think about this: If you have an agent that does not know the area well, does not work hard for their clients and is inexperienced in negotiating, there is a pretty fair chance that you, as the client, will not get the best possible deal when buying or selling your home. And since buying a home is likely to be one of the largest purchases you make in your lifetime, why would you leave it to just anyone. You could end up overpaying for a home, or worse, make a terrible purchase and end up with a money pit. A good real estate agent will tell you the good, the bad and the ugly with any property no matter how much potential commission is on the line.

What traits should I be looking for in a real estate agent?

There are a few important traits that you want to be sure to keep an eye out for when looking to hire a real estate agent. First, you want to make sure that your real estate agent has a successful track record. You may want to look at any online reviews the real estate has and ask for references from past clients. This will really help you get a better idea of how the agent works and what you can expect if you were to work with them. Next, you want someone who is honest and who will always work in your best interest. The worst feeling is having to second guess if your real estate agent is giving you advice based on what is best for you or if they are working in their own best interest. Lastly, you want a real estate agent who knows the area inside and out, and who has a solid network of people in their corner.

Listen, we know you have your choice of realtors when it comes to buying and selling in Myrtle Beach, SC. And we understand that it can seem like a daunting and difficult task to choose which real estate agent to bring on to work with you. But luckily, here at Jerry Pinkas Real Estate Experts, we can take a lot of that stress and guesswork off your back. Not only are we ranked highest in Myrtle Beach Real estate, but out agents are knowledgeable, decisive, honest, dedicated and always work hard in the best interests of our clients.

Now you may be asking yourself what separates our team from other agents in the Myrtle Beach, SC area. Well, here at Jerry Pinkas Real Estate Experts, we have a set of agents that are solely dedicated to working with our buyer clients and a separate team of agents who are solely dedicated to working with our seller clients. We know that many real estate agents in the area are both listing and buying agents, but we believe that this can be a conflict of interest for the client. See, if you are on both sides of the buying and selling fence, it can be difficult to represent your client thoroughly and truthfully. We believe this is the best and most effective way to serve our clients. So whether you are looking to buy or sell, you can be confident in knowing that our agents are knowledgeable and have perfected their craft because they do it all day, every day.

Now you may be asking yourself what some of our clients have said about our team here at Jerry Pinkas Realty. Our clients have described our agents as go-getters, hard working and dedicated. We have so many happy clients and our success speaks for itself. Our hope is by now we have shed some light on why it is so important to do your research before hiring on a real estate agent and why you should work with our team when buying and/or selling in Myrtle Beach. Our team is knowledgeable in all aspects of real estate and always go above and beyond for our clients on a daily basis. So give us a call today and let us help you find and buy your dream home, or list and sell your current home. This is what we do, we do it every day and we are good at it. We look forward to working with you soon!

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Thinking of selling your home? Have you ever thought about doing For Sale By Owner? If so, today’s blog post is for you! Now, what does “For Sale By Owner” mean you ask? Well, pretty much exactly what it says. It means that you, as the owner of the home, are doing every part of the home selling process – pretty much everything that an experienced real estate agent would do if you were to hire them on. And while it is an option for couples and families, we tend to think that nothing trumps having an experienced and knowledgeable real estate agent by your side to help you avoid the pitfalls that can be costly.

Now we are not going to be all one-sided and tell you that everything about listing and selling your house on your own is all bad, as there are some potential perks that can arise from the situation. But more times than not those perks do not outweigh having an experienced, dedicated and hardworking real estate agent in your corner. So we are going to be touching on both the perks and the downfalls of selling your house on your own so you are able to make an informed decision on if it is something you are considering for you and your family.

What are the perks of doing For Sale By Owner?

Now, while there are many more reasons why For Sale By Owner is not the best route to take when selling your home, there are some aspects that are appealing to sellers. One of the top reasons is that you make more money from the sale of the home because you do not have to pay to bring on a real estate agent. And depending on the value of your home, you could end up pocketing thousands, possibly even tens of thousands of dollars, by saving on the commission of an agent. This in fact, as we mentioned earlier, is the biggest reason why homeowners attempt to sell their home on their own. But as we will touch on a bit later, you are also opening yourself up to some risks and downsides that may not be worth the money that you could potentially pocket. But more on that later.

The next perk of selling your home yourself is that you have complete control over the process and the sale. This means that you can make your own opinions about how you want to market the home, what price you will list the home at, how you choose to negotiate with potential buyers, how you prepare and stage the home for showings, etc. What we are trying to say here is that all the decisions that encompass the home selling process are in your hands. And while this may sound wonderful, it can also be met with some trial and error, wasted time and money, and a whole lot of frustration. Just something to keep in mind if you are new to the real estate world and have not listed/tried to sell a home before.

The final perk that we have for you today when it comes to For Sale By Owner is that you are able to dedicate all your time and put your full attention into selling your home. If you were to hire a real estate agent, and if they are a good one, most likely they will have other clients and other listings to keep their eyes on. If you are choosing to sell your home yourself, you obviously would not have many other distractions, especially the sale of another home, to worry about. But on that same note, if you had a realtor in your corner, while they have other clients they need to assist, they are also working/thinking/breathing real estate every moment of the day. So in this case, while you don’t have other distractions in terms of other listings, you may have to think about your 9-5 job, take the dog to the vet, go grocery shopping, take the kids to soccer practice, and the other millions of daily tasks that consume our everyday life. So, yes, while it seems nice and practical for you to have your eyes on your house listing 24/7, do you really have the time to keep your eyes on your house listing 24/7? Just something to think about…

What are the disadvantages of doing For Sale By Owner?

Now that we have covered some potential benefits of selling your home on your own, it is time to drill down into the nitty-gritty of some of the disadvantage of taking this route to sell your home. The first disadvantage we wanted to highlight is that there may not be as much financial benefit as you may think. It is true, you do not have to pay the fees and commissions to a real estate agent, but what many people do not stop to think about is the fact that you may not obtain as high a selling price for your home as you would if you were working with an experienced real estate professional, which ends up being a downside for you in the end.

One of the biggest mistakes people make when selling their home themselves is not pricing the house right. And the two main factors that we have seen in which determine a home sale are 1.) price, and 2.) marketing. Now a respected and established real estate agent will know how to price your house competitively and market your house correctly based on neighborhood data for the area, which in turn will attract the right, qualified buyers and make you the most money. Your real estate agent will also be able to negotiate on your behalf to ensure that you are getting the best deal.

Another aspect to take into consideration is that marketing a home is not an easy thing to do, especially if you are starting behind the curve with not having an established network to work from. Good marketing of a home ensures that your listing is being seen and noticed by buyers that could potentially be a good fit for your home and everything the area has to offer. It is one thing to post a listing online – anyone can do that – it is a whole different ball game to make sure the listing stands out and is seen by the right audience. Also, you will need to qualify the buyer, which many people that are not real estate agents have a hard time doing. An example of this would be knowing the difference between if a buyer is pre-qualified or pre-approved. Do you know and understand the difference between the two? If not, check out a previous blog post here.

The last aspect we are going to talk about today surrounds researching your area and the laws that are in place. Every area has its own set of regulations and laws surrounding selling a home, and you need to read up and make sure that as a seller you have all the necessary paperwork for making a legal real estate transaction. We can’t stress enough to you how important this is and, while it can be frustrating and time-consuming, it is a vital step if you are wanting to do For Sale By Owner. A big perk in hiring a professional real estate agent is that they know all of this information and conduct this type of business working every day. Taking the worries out of the process for you!

Does For Sale By Owner really work?

As you can tell from the information above, selling a home is hard work. We are not saying it can’t be done on your own, but you are more likely to have a better experience and get more money for your home if you are to work with an experienced real estate agent in your area. And that is where we come in! Here at Jerry Pinkas Real Estate Experts we have a wonderful team of experienced and knowledgeable real estate agents that are here to help you during the home selling process. We actually have an entire team that is solely dedicated to the home selling process, so you can rest assured that they know what they are talking about. This is what we do, we do it every day and we are good at it. Let one of our real estate agents work with you and for you to sell your home quickly and for top dollar. We look forward to working with you soon!

You have questions, we have answers. Give us a call at 843-839-9870.

We add new videos each week to our YouTube Channel. discussing all types of topics surrounding the Myrtle Beach real estate market and community. Subscribetoday!

When you think of the home selling process, what comes to mind? Maybe inconvenient showing times and unqualified buyers? Possibly a long and tedious process, paired with overwhelming frustration, and sprinkled with a bit of anxiety? While some people, unfortunately, do not have the best experience, the home selling process can actually prove to be a very painless and exciting adventure for individuals, couples, and families. There are many factors that go into your home selling experience, and one of the main ones being the team you have in your corner representing and working for you. The right real estate agent can make all the difference in getting your home sold fast and for top dollar, as well as helping to avoid the pitfalls that can prove to be frustrating and a waste of everyone’s time. In today's blog post we are going to be talking about a few mistakes that we want you to avoid when it comes to selling your home and red flags to keep an eye out for that can end up hurting you.

What mistakes do I want to avoid when selling my home?

There are a few mistakes that you do not want to make when you are trying to sell your home, and keeping an eye out for these and can make a big difference in your selling experience. Many people are so focused solely on the sale of the property that they do not stop to think about things such as house keys, lock boxes and the security of the home during the selling process. At Jerry Pinkas Real Estate Experts, when we list a home we go to great lengths to make sure that your home is secure and that we are not allowing people in that should not be there.

First off, it is important to understand the gravity of the internet these days as it can be both your best friend, as well as a source of unwanted attention. Depending on your realtor and where it is listed, most anyone can go online to see your property listing and therefore you are exposed to a great number of people. And while this can be a great asset as more eyeballs equal more potential offers and buyers, you want to be aware and cautious of the exposure as well. The key to it is to make sure that you are giving access only to the people that are qualified to see your home and not some stranger off the street. Now, most people are qualified because they are there with a realtor, but these are potential instances that we want you to avoid because we see them every day.

Now you may be saying to yourself that most homes are secured with a lockbox to avoid this very issue. And while this is true, some realtors use old and weak technology that does not stand up against intruders. You may have seen the lockboxes where you have to arrange the numbers to get in to retrieve the key, and we can assure you these are still very popular and very unreliable. Think about it: if the realtor is not protecting the code, the people that are with the realtor will be able to see what the code is and can, therefore, access the house at any time. Same goes with the old push code lockbox as you can almost hear which numbers are being entered.

If the realtor does not change the code after each showing, which most realtors do not as it is a hassle, the people they are with can access the home at their convenience, and as many times as they want. Here at Jerry Pinkas Real Estate Experts we do not use old technology as we want to make sure that your home and property are secure at all times to avoid putting you and your home at risk. What makes us different? We use an electronic system that is much more sturdy and trustworthy. What is the difference in the old lockboxes and what we use? Well, in order to access our lockboxes, you have to have an app on your smartphone, be a realtor in our area and also have an appointment prior to (meaning, you can not just walk up to the door and get the key) in order to access the box. We are able to track what time that agent went into your home or condo, as well as know what time they left. There are also emails that are sent out after the appointment, an automated phone call and a few other things to follow up on the appointment. Again, we want to make sure your home is secure and your keys are not lost or end up in the wrong hands. We want to help you avoid these rookie mistakes as they are things we see every day and are the reasons that we bring you these blogs each week.

Another issue that we want to make sure to help you avoid when trying to sell your house fast is the thought process that you are going to get the proper attention and traction you need just by sticking the listing on the MLS and on social media. One thing we do very well here at Jerry Pinkas Real Estate Experts is getting your property and the listing out there in front of numerous people. The more people the listing is in front of, the greater chance you have of obtaining multiple offers, therefore allowing you to be picky with which offer you end up choosing. That is also how you get maximum dollar, and in some cases, even above asking price. Getting the listing proper exposure is one of the reasons why we are so good at what we do and have such great success rates, as well as many happy customers.

What should I do if I am interested in selling my home in Myrtle Beach, SC?

Give our experienced team here at Jerry Pinkas Real Estate Experts a call today! We know there are many qualified agents in the Myrtle Beach, SC area for you to choose from when the time is right to sell your home. But when it comes to trusting the right team with your most precious (and costly) asset, you want a team that knows the area, has a proven track record of success and will work hard for you day in and day out. And that is exactly what we do, we do it every day and we are very good at it. It is one thing to just take on a listing and post the property online, but when trying to sell your home fast and for top dollar, you want a team that has some extra arsenal up their sleeve. Give us a call today, we look forward to hearing from you soon!

Looking for more information on what our team here at Jerry Pinkas Real Estate Experts has to offer? Be sure to check out our Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as our YouTube channel (and subscribe!), to see what we are up to and why people enjoy working with us every day. We do many other things on the backend to market and push your listing, but those pages are something you can look at now, in real time, to see what our company can do. We look forward to working with you.

We understand the confusion that can come with buying and selling a home, especially if this is your first go around with either. There is verbiage that you may not understand, contracts that seem a mile long and you may not be sure where to start with the whole process. We get it and are here to help decode a real estate mistake that we see all the time that can end up making a large difference in your experience with buying and selling a home in Myrtle Beach, SC.

In today’s post we are going to be talking about the differences between a buyer’s agent and a seller’s agent, and why knowing the difference between the two can save you from pitfalls that can be costly and frustrating.

Why is it important to understand the differences between a listing’s agent and a buyer’s agent?

At Jerry Pinaks Reality we want to make sure that you avoid a major pitfall when you are buying or selling a home. A lot of the time we see people who hire on an agent they found online and do not take the time to ensure that agent is the right fit for their needs. If you are buying a house, you want to make sure that you go with an agent that is strictly focused on helping their clients buy homes. And if you are selling your home, you want to make sure that you find an agent that is strictly focused on selling their clients’ homes. Here at Jerry Pinkas Reality we do not have agents that do both – in other words, we have a separate group of agents that only work with buyers and a separate group of agents who only work with sellers. Why do we do it that way you may ask? Well for one, there are two completely different skill sets for each group. And two, they only work to the advantage to the client they are working with.

Now understand this - if you are out there looking to buy a property, is that agent that you picked up online or found randomly only going to show you the things they want you to see? Like their other listings? Or are they going to stop what they are doing with you because they have a scheduled closing appointment to be at? This is why we have split the team here at Jerry Pinkas Realty down the middle and again, we have listing agents who are only in charge of listing properties and only work for our sellers and will never disclose any confidential information that you have given to them. Same with buyers, they will never disclose any information to weaken your ability to purchase and will only focus on getting you the best deal. Because what can happen is you hire on an agent to help you buy a home and come to find out they are working on the side with the seller – which could lead to a bad deal for you. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, you want to get the best deal and work with an agent that has your best interests at heart. And that just happens to be what our experienced team here at Jerry Pinkas Reality does best.

What are the responsibilities of a buyer’s agent?

A buyer’s agent is responsible for assisting their client throughout the buying processes, and has many duties to ensure the process is successful and runs smoothly. One of their responsibilities is to assist their client in finding properties that meet their desired criteria. Typically, the agent will sit down with their client and go through a list of all their wants and needs in a new home. The agent will then take that list and search for homes that they believe to be good matches and set times to show the potential homes to their client. It is also helpful to point out here the importance of a good buying agent, as most of the time the agent will have access to listings that you will not be able to find on your own. For example, they may have connections and relationships that will inform them of properties that are not listed online yet. As a buyer, this will give you first access to listings and the ability to see properties before other buyers without this inside information.

Another responsibility of a buyer’s agent is to assist in determining which property is best suited for their client. It is one thing to search for listings that may fit their buyer’s initial criteria, but it is another ball game to dig deep into the listings and help spot problems when showing the home such as if the neighborhood will be noisy at night and what costly repairs need to be done. The buyer’s agent will research the history of each of the properties they show and help their client to make an informed and educated decision based on all the information they find.

The buyer’s agent is also responsible for making and negotiating offers on their client’s behalf to ensure that the offer is fair and not too generous or insulting. They will be able to guide their client on things such as whether they should push for the pool to be serviced prior to moving in or whether the carport is really worth the extra money. Another responsibility for the buyer’s agent, similar to the seller’s agent, is to follow through on the contingencies (and make sure everything is met) until the sale closes.

What are the responsibilities of a seller’s agent?

Now that we have touched on the responsibilities of the buyer’s agent, we are going to move on to those of the seller’s agent. A seller’s agent main goal is to sell the property for the highest price in the shortest amount of time, and to do this the agent must assist the seller in valuing and properly pricing the property to put on the market. The agent will ensure that the home is accurately and competitive priced and, since these two do not always add up, you want to make sure you have an experienced agent who is able to understand how to create the proper balance and sell the house for the price the seller wants – which can be trickier than you think.

The seller’s agent will also suggest any necessary repairs and improvements to the home. It is important to understand that when the market is bad, buyers can be particular about the home they purchase because there are so few houses listed on the market. On the flip side, when the market is good, buyers are also particular because there are so many houses listed on the market. So either way, buyers are usually always picky which means that every details counts when it comes to selling the house, especially if you are looking to take home a certain number from the sale. The selling agent will be able to walk through the home and point out which details are the most important and worth spending money on. An example of this would be thinking your shutters just need a little coat of paint when in reality they really need replacing or thinking you should upgrade your kitchen countertops with expensive granite when in reality many buyers are actually not looking for granite in which case would be a waste of money.

Not only will the seller’s agent do things like host open houses and put a ‘for sale’ sign up in the yard, but they are also responsible for marketing the property to buyer’s agents. This can be done through posting the property on the MLS, as well as networking with other agents who may have buyers that would be interested in the house. The seller’s agent will also present and negotiate offers on your behalf. They will help decide the difference between fair offers and low offers, as well as let you know if the market is going to allow you to sit and wait around for the offer that you really want or if you should take an offer that is presented. Having trouble understanding legal jargon or details presented in the contract? Your agent will be able to put things into more simple terms for you to understand and also outline what needs to be done in order to complete the transaction should you choose to accept the offer. Lastly, the seller’s agent is responsible for following through on the contract contingencies until the sale of the homes closes (same as the buyer’s agent).

What should I do if I am interested in buying or selling a home in Myrtle Beach, SC?

If you are looking to buy or sell a house in the Myrtle Beach, SC area, give our experienced team here at Jerry Pinkas Reality a call today! As we have discussed throughout this blog, we split our team down the middle between buying agents and selling agents, and will be able to match you with the right team member to assist you. We understand the needs of buyers and sellers alike and can help you avoid the pitfalls that can prove to be not only costly, but also time consuming and extremely frustrating. This is what we do, we do it everyday and we are very good at it. Why have average when you can have the best? We look forward to speaking and working with you soon!